PA Background Checks

Troop 181 welcomes and values its volunteers. Our volunteers share their time, talents, and skills to enhance the experience of our Scouts and families. Recent revisions to the PA Child Protective Services Law requires very specific background checks for volunteers of youth serving organizations like Troop 181. For detailed guidance, forms & waivers, and FAQ please see the Chester County Council webpage at http://www.cccbsa.org/PABackgroundChecks

Who is required to submit clearances?

Adults (18 years or older) who are "acting in lieu of or on behalf of a parent" or who are "providing care, supervision, guidance or control of children with regular and repeated contact with children that is integral to their volunteer responsibilities." Thus, merit badge counselors, parents and volunteers (even those who are NOT registered with BSA) who work with Scouts, conduct Scout training courses, work at Scouting events and service projects, or attend campouts (including driving) are required to submit clearances.

When must I submit clearances?

Volunteers as of August 25,2015 have until July 1, 2016 to complete and submit the clearances. All volunteers starting after August 25, 2015 must complete and submit the clearances prior to commencing volunteer responsibilities. In order for the troop to recharter for 2016, volunteers who have not already submitted clearances must complete and sign the Recharter Letter of Understanding. Please submit this to Ed Maier.

Three clearances are needed:

1. Criminal History Clearance

2. Child Abuse Clearance

3. Fingerprint based FBI history or CCSBSA Disclosure Form for volunteers residing in PA

4. for at least 10 years

What if I have already obtained clearances for other volunteer organizations?

Many of our volunteers have already complied with the state laws regarding these background checks; if you have already received your clearances, please send copies of your Child Abuse and Criminal History clearances to Ed Maier. If you have your fingerprint based FBI history, please forward that to Ed as well but for those who have been a continuous resident of PA for the past 10 years, please complete and submit the CCSBSA Disclosure Form in lieu of the fingerprint based FBI history check.